Edmund Burke: “But if such is the empire of opinion even amongst us, it has a pure…”

On the record

But if such is the empire of opinion even amongst us, it has a pure, unrestrained, complete, and despotic power amongst them.

Said by

Edmund Burke

Source

Burke notes the overwhelming power of opinion in societies, particularly in more traditional cultures.

More from Edmund Burke

Jan 1, 1790

The improvements of the National Assembly are superficial, their errors fundamental.

Jan 1, 1790

Let us imitate their caution, if we wish to deserve their fortune or to retain their bequests.

Jan 1, 1790

They come from one who has been no tool of power, no flatterer of greatness, and who in his last acts does not wish to belie the tenor of his life.

Jan 1, 1790

I would not exclude alteration neither; but even when I changed, it should be to preserve.

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Edmund Burke: “But if such is the empire of opinion even amongst us, it has a pure, unrestrained, complete, and despotic power amongst…”